What is Riderwood ROCKS?
Riderwood ROCKS is a mixed voices (male and female) chorus singing arrangements of rock music from the 1950s and beyond, under the leadership of Encore Creativity for Older Adults. Riderwood ROCKers rehearse weekly for about 15 weeks and then sing alongside a live rock band for a concert performance each May and December. New seasons start with new music each January and September. During the spring season 2026 the one- and a half-hour rehearsals will be held Monday afternoons at 3:00 pm in the Chapel. No vocal or musical experience is required and there are no auditions.
Watch a short video about Riderwood Rocks
Join us! All residents who love to sing or who want to LEARN TO SING are warmly invited.
Registration for Spring 2026 ends on February 2!
For more information, go to Encore Creativity and click “Sing With Us“. The “Sing With Us” page contains answers to frequently asked questions. You can then click the “register” button, or go to https://encorecreativity.org/register to sign up! The main registration page contains the rehearsal schedule, performance schedule, repertoire, and scholarship info.
On the registration page, select your ensemble and fill out the form with your contact and rehearsal information (voice part and CD request). Tuition payments can be made online via credit card. You can also call Encore Central at 301-261-5747 and the Encore staff will be happy to assist you.
Financial Aid is available! Just fill out the scholarship form on the main registration page.
For more information: Contact residents Betty Nordan or Jo Paoletti or send an email to RiderwoodROCKS@riderwoodlife.com .
See us in action!
Your Encore Creativity tuition provides:
- 14 to 15 weeks of rehearsals with a fun and accomplished conductor
- 14 to 15 weeks of improving your musical skills and knowledge No previous singing or musical experience is necessary. And NO auditions!
- Your concert with a live Rock band
- All sheet music
- A rehearsal CD highlighting the singer’s voice part
- The opportunity to make up missed rehearsals at other locations or online
- Those unavoidable administrative costs
Opportunities Encore Creativity provides:
- To meet new people and make new friends
- To improve your physical, mental, and emotional health Singing is well documented as contributing toward good health.
- Encore University: Classes through Zoom or on-demand focusing on basic musicianship, music history, music theory, visual arts, and creative physical movement
- To participate in special events in the DC area and on Zoom
- To sing with other ROCKS groups in huge, end-of-the-season concerts.
In the Summer:
- To participate in singing camps in the US. Summer 2026 locations include Chautauqua, Nashville, and Philadelphia.
- To travel abroad and participate in concerts with Encore singers from around the US. Next year’s tour will be a river cruise with performances in Budapest, Vienna, and Prague.
What is Encore Creativity for Older Adults?
Inspired by the results of an NEA-funded study that investigated the health benefits of choral singing for older adults, Encore Creativity for Older Adults was founded in 2007. With over 40 ensembles (and growing!) nationwide, and over 1500 singers, Encore Creativity for Older Adults is the nation’s largest choral arts organization for adults 55 and over.